Metro MLS and ARMLS Lead Advancements of Non-Contiguous Markets
04.10.18
Matt approached Chris Carrillo, Metro MLS CEO while he was in Arizona, attending the ARMLS strategic planning meeting as an advisor. What if they actively worked together for the betterment of their brokers and agents? What if they could offer shared services? What if they could share resources and further develop solution-based products? After much discussion and review of the two organizations, they both realized they had a lot in common, most importantly, a shared vision of an MLS of the Future.
You may be asking yourself “What does Non-Contiguous even mean?” Basically, it means not touching. So, why would two independently successful MLSs decided to collaborate although they are in completely different markets that don’t touch? According to Chris Carrillo “Our markets are not contiguous, but our energy, approach, and overall vision of service do overlap. Our MLS DNA is similar and lends the ability to accomplish more, quicker and efficiently with a combined effort.” Makes sense, but is there more? Is consolidation necessary? Yes, there is a national need for MLS consolidation, and it’s happening now more than ever. But Why? Currently we have approximately 650 MLSs countrywide, that number is down from just a few years ago with more 800 MLSs. Predicatively, there will be even fewer over the next 5 years, this is a good thing. The numbers are fascinating, according to NAR (National Association of Realtors) there are approximately 1.3 million REALTORS® being represented by those 650 MLSs. However according to CMLS (Council of Multiple Listing Service) which has approximately 200 MLS members, those 200 MLSs represent 1.1 Million REALTORS ®. WHOA, so what about the other 200 thousand REALTORS®? They are represented by the 430 MLSs that aren’t a part of CMLS, and that is why there is a national need for more consolidations.
This isn’t your mother’s MLS anymore. Today’s quality MLS organizations provide more than just an MLS platform to list and search for properties, and although rooted in providing cooperation and compensation in the marketplace, it doesn’t end there. They also offer a comprehensive network of integrated services. According to the joint venture, the MLS of the Future is an agile organization that can serve beyond the needs of a diverse subscriber and participant base. It will proactively evolve and innovate together to provide solutions that fit the brokers and agent’s businesses. Metro MLS and ARMLS saw an array of serviceable areas in which they could instantly begin to collaborate. The strategic Joint Venture means they’re moving forward with shared resources, operational goals, and plan to develop/ expand products and services together. This is not a merger, but a rather a partnership of equals. It’s a paradigm shift, both CEOs and Boards of Directors are more focused on the success of the journey and its deliverables, not the promise of destination.
PRESS RELEASE
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Metro Multiple Listing Service Inc. (Metro MLS) and Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS®) announced they have entered into a strategic joint venture with a commitment to a merger of public record operations, and a collaboration of MLS services. The new yet-to-be-named organization, aims to be the nation’s first major MLS joint venture of noncontiguous markets.
The collaboration began as two innovative CEOs, Chris Carrillo (Metro MLS) and Matthew Consalvo (ARMLS), decided to combine their industry expertise by connecting their respective organizations in order to advance the MLS industry and best serve their broker and agent communities. “We see real value in a shared vision,” stated Chris Carrillo, CEO Metro MLS. “It requires action in the moment and the opportunity for progress is now.” Simply put by Mr. Consalvo, “It came down to our DNA, Metro MLS shares the same values, commitment to service and vision of the MLS of the future. We are better together than apart.”
The two organizations, alongside the support of their respective Boards of Directors, formed a foundation of best practices and industry standards, securing a future of unlimited potential. “The collaboration between two noncontiguous markets meets a national necessity for MLS consolidation that can finally provide a more subscriber-centric approach. By maintaining their respective locations, this partnership can uphold the integrity and trust each brand has built within their own marketplaces,” noted Debbie Yost, ARMLS Chair of the Board.
“It’s an exciting time, we are advancing change in a way that has never been done before” said Joe Horning, Metro MLS Chairman, “Bringing Metro MLS and ARMLS together will result in many positives.” Metro MLS and ARMLS are enthusiastic about how the partnership will foster greater customer care and improved service levels, by providing a comprehensive network of integrated services, that better serve more than 48,000 Broker and Agent subscribers.
Mike Ruzicka, Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors (GMAR) said “Predictively, there are numerous tangible benefits and ancillary advantages from sharing operational goals.”
Both organizations find the unknown benefits truly thought-provoking. “ The possibilities of this strategic partnership are not predefined by what we can imagine today, but rather by a long-term commitment that will continue to gain momentum,” added Carrillo. “Together we will forge a great future.”
About ARMLS®
Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS®) is the largest MLS in Arizona, providing MLS and other core services for MLS subscribers. ARMLS began operations in 1982 through collaboration by the shareholder boards to form the first regional MLS in the country. Now 30 years later, ARMLS provides training, support, and technology solutions for 48,000 real estate agents. ARMLS contracts not only with MLS search vendors but also engages other key service providers for mapping, lockbox services, remote MLS access through mobile devices, listing syndication and statistical data analysis. ARMLS invests heavily in technology, including their own in-house tax system called Monsoon.
About Metro MLS®
Metro Multiple listing service (Metro MLS®) is the largest MLS in Wisconsin. Established in 1962, Metro MLS has one shareholder REALTOR® association and 9 partner associations providing the same core products and MLS service for more than 7,200 MLS participants. Metro MLS is a founding member of WIREX, a state-wide data share that extends the offer of cooperation and compensation to all participants. More than 90% of all properties listed in Wisconsin are displayed and searchable through Metro MLS using WIREX. Metro MLS has their own in-house public record system named WIREdata, which provides public records for nearly all Wisconsin Counties through MLS. More than 55 years later, Metro MLS exists to provide Brokers and Agents with timely and accurate real estate information, innovative and cost-effective resources, live as well as 24/7 system education for the advancement and success of their members.